Ode to the Kings...

Chris's birthday shares the same day as Martin Luther King Jr day.  In honor of Mr.King, I thought I'd post what my little guy wrote about him.  

I thought was only fair to honor the other "king" in our lives and post what Jayden wrote for him as well:

 Last but definitely not least, a picture in honor of our little prince himself...

"toothless" Jayden  Maddox Marriott

Grade 1

Wouldn't you know it, Jayden lost a tooth 2 days before picture day.  Luckily, he looks so cute "toof-less", as Jayden could only say ; )  This was the same baby tooth that he had chipped when he was 3 years old.  That sparked the first visit to the dentist and his first root canal - poor kiddo.  He was so brave for the dentist, not even one whimper!  All the needles, drilling, and filling made me want to pass out!  Well, that tooth is gone now - taken away by the tooth fairy.  He gets a fresh new start and promises to take better care of the "next set" (I hope he realizes that he cannot sprout these at will).

Chris turns 35 - Birthday Weekend part deux

The next day we took the ferry to Angel Island for a day of hiking, touring military forts, and hanging out on the beach.  

It was a nice short ride to the island.  Jay and I got a kick out of all our curious onlookers bobbing in the water, the seals.  

Once we arrived on the island (which actually used to be connected the SF before sea levels rose) we thought we'd check out the view. 

It was breathtaking.  Not only because of all the exertion of climbing up to the highest point of the island on Mount Livermore.  Our eyes were rewarded by the 360 panoramic views of the bay.

 

The Skyline 

Chris pointed out how we were only a stone's throw away from the hustle bustle of the city and yet it was serenely quiet.  We all just closed our eyes for that moment and listened to the sound of nothing : ) 

 BaBa and Jay

(in matching shirts that Jay and I made for Chris's bday) 

Now that we had conquered the peak, it was time to explore the rest of the island.  After all, this historic landmark was once a military base and later an immigration station ("The Ellis Island of the West").

 A beach!  Don't mind if we do...

 Ahhh!

 Right after this picture, I curled up next to Chris...

and we both fell asleep...opps

  (Jayden played on the beach by himself)

We had the most wonderful weekend celebrating, in fact it felt like all our birthdays.  We love you so much husby/baba - happy birthday sweetheart.

Chris turns 35 - Birthday Weekend

 

What better excuse to go on a family road trip?  Normally this family seems to head south, in pursuit of warmer weather.  This time we thought we'd venture to Tiburon, north of San Francisco.  

I packed the family 7 jackets (a combination of sweaters, hoodies, rain gear, down jackets, etc.),  Chris had 2, Jayden had 2, I had...well you can do the math.  My motto is a take on the boy-scouts', "always be prepared"...to stay warm.  So with a car full of jackets, off we go!

 

Golden Gate Bridge

We've been living here 10 years this year.  Yet, this iconic bridge never fails to take my breath away. 

 Waldo Tunnel

Passed through the colorful "Rainbow Tunnel" as Jayden likes to call it.  Very San Francisco : )

Arriving in Tiburon, we were pleasantly surprised by the weather.  Could not have asked for more beautiful weather.  Warm, sunny, blue skies, no wind, and clear views across the bay overlooking San Francisco.

First thing on the agenda, a hike in Muir Woods.

  

 

  

  Back in town just in time for the sunset...

 

After we watched the sunset, we had a wonderful dinner at the hotel, followed by some night swimming (yes, it was that warm...or I perceived it to be that warm...while I watched the boys a few feet away...in the hot-tub). 

Call us Can-mericans!

After 7 years of waiting, it is now official, our green cards have arrived!!!  Chris and I are now considered permanent American residents (...still with hearts of Canadians).  Can I get a WHOOT WHOOT!

Now, our biggest dilemma is what to call ourselves?  Can-merican, Canad-icans, Can-ericans?
 

Jayden plays at the Shark Tank

HP Pavilion - Home of the San Jose Sharks

Heading out from the dressing room

Mini superstars

#16 - Jayden Marriott

Face-off

Foreshadow of what is to come?  Perhaps this is history in the making.  It gives me goosebumps just to think of it.  Of course we will always be cheering him on as his number one fans!

Ho Ho Hoe!

Harvesting potatoes is like finding buried treasure! 

 What fun : )

Arr, check out our bounty!

First of Many

Jayden played in his first hockey tournament on New Year's Day in Oakland, CA.

First Time Jayden Plays Goal

This was also the first time Jayden scored in a game!  Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of it.  I was too busy cheering with excitement!

 The Team's other favorite past-time